Oppose New Parking Fees and Protect Public Beach Access in County Parks

Oppose New Parking Fees & Protect Public Beach Access in Palm Beach County

A new Palm Beach County budget proposal would establish new fees for public beach parking at 12 beaches – including Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, Juno Beach Park, Ocean Reef Park, and Phil Foster Park – on top of the two that already charge (R.G. Kreusler Park and South Inlet Park). The proposed rate: at least $4 an hour, projected to raise $7.5 million a year for the County.

The County says this plan is meant to close a gap without raising the millage rate. But balancing the budget on the backs of beachgoers isn't the answer. Access to the coast is part of our Florida way of life, not a line item to be monetized.

In early July 2026, Palm Beach County proposed new fees for public beach parking at 12 beaches – including Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, Juno Beach Park, Ocean Reef Park, and Phil Foster Park – on top of the two that already charge (R.G. Kreusler Park and South Inlet Park). The proposed rate: at least $4 an hour, projected to raise $7.5 million a year for the County.

The County indicated that the plan is meant to close a gap without raising the millage rate. But balancing the budget on the backs of beachgoers isn't the answer. Access to the coast is part of our Florida way of life, not a line item to be monetized.

A $4/hour fee quickly balloons when you add it up over a family day at the beach, regular summer visits, or a fixed income. For many residents, the beach is one of the last truly free ways to spend a day outdoors with family. Pricing that hits families, seniors, veterans, coastal recreationists, and anyone who can't absorb a "small" fee multiplied by every trip to the sand is another barrier preventing meaningful public access and enjoyment of our beaches.

Surfrider has seen this play out across Florida and up and down the nation’s coasts: parking fees that skyrocket and access that is increasingly pay to play. Our mission prioritizes the protection and enjoyment of our ocean, waves, and beaches for all people – and meaningful public access is at the very heart.

UPDATE AS OF 7/15/26: The blanket parking fee proposal was met with swift opposition from the Surfrider Palm Beach County Chapter and community members. On July 15, the County Commission announced that public parking at County beach lots would remain free for County residents. The Palm Beach County Chapter acknowledges the Commissioners for listening to community members about the challenges a new $4/hour parking fee would impose. We are still awaiting details on how the free parking for residents will be administered through an annual resident pass. It is imperative that the process to secure a resident pass is simple and communicated effectively to ensure all residents maintain free access to these beaches.

The Chapter remains concerned about exorbitant public parking fees for non-residents of the County. The imposition of new public parking fees should be based on relevant data with clear guardrails on maximums and annual increases.

What we're asking the Palm Beach County Commission to do:

For the County Resident Parking Pass:

• The pass must be county-wide for all residents, not narrowed to residency in a specific town or municipality within the County.
• The process for securing a resident parking pass must be accessible and simple. There should be various options for completing the process (e.g., online, paper, phone, in-person) with minimal administrative barriers to ensure all residents maintain free access to the coast.
• A complicated registration process and burdensome requirements will effectively cut out County residents that would have been disproportionately impacted by public parking fees.
• Implement a widespread public information campaign to educate County residents about the resident pass and process to secure a pass prior to new public parking fee implementation.

For Parking Fees for Non-County Residents:

• Prior to imposing new public parking fees, complete a survey of beach users to better understand revenue projections at the designated County beaches based on public parking fees for non-County residents.
• Cap parking fees below $4/hour with restrictions on annual increases. Establish free parking during designated hours.
• Build in real exemptions for seniors, veterans, and low-income families.
• Improve public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure for County beaches.
• Commit to transparent revenue reporting and restrict revenue uses to improving public beach access, beach maintenance and services, water quality, and coastal environmental protection.

The Board of County Commissioners votes on the final FY2027 budget on September 15. The Palm Beach County Chapter will continue to monitor the proposal for parking fees and advocate for accessibility, transparency, and accountability from the County Commission. We will keep you informed of public meetings and opportunities to engage.